The Elves and the shoemaker is a fairy-tale about a poor shoemaker. He only had enough leather and supplies to make one last pair of shoes. During the night, elves came and magically made the shoes for him. The shoes were excellent quality and the shoemaker was able to sell them for a great price. He was able to buy more leather and supplies. Each night, the elves would make perfect shoes that the shoemaker could sell. One night, the shoemaker stayed up late to see who was making the shoes. He saw the elves working away on the shoes. The grateful shoemaker saw that the elves could use new clothes, so he worked hard to make them nice, new outfits. That night he left out the new clothes for the elves to find. The elves were so happy to find them. The shoemaker and the elves lived happily ever after.
Tips for Parents
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Here's how to talk to your child about it
You learned that a kind shoemaker was helped by magical elves who made him perfect shoes at night. The shoemaker showed gratitude by making new clothes for the elves, and they lived happily ever after.
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Some activities you can do with your child now
- Encourage your child to retell the story using their own words, asking questions like "What happened to the shoemaker? How did he feel when he found the shoes already made?" - Engage in a pretend play activity where your child can be the shoemaker and you can be the elves, taking turns making and selling shoes. - Discuss the theme of gratitude with your child, asking questions like "Why do you think the shoemaker wanted to thank the elves? How can we show gratitude to others?" - Encourage your child to create their own artwork inspired by the story, such as drawing a picture of the shoemaker and the elves.
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Pretend play with your child
GAME: "Help the Shoemaker's Elves" INSTRUCTIONS: Pretend to be the shoemaker and have your child be one of the elves. Take turns making imaginary shoes out of household objects or playdough. The shoemaker can leave surprise gifts (small toys or treats) for the elf after each round. Have fun crafting and expressing gratitude, just like in the story!
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1 take away from the video for your child
"Kindness and gratitude can bring unexpected blessings. Just like the shoemaker, when we appreciate and help others, we may receive help and success in return."
